Wow, I was amazed at the number of comments that centered around paper cutters and many of you asked to know what cutter I swear by!! I thought I would throw in a post dedicated to my opinion on cutters and what I’ve found that works for me. I don’t want to beat up the other company whose five cutters I purchased before saying enough, but I changed after seeing them put out yet another cutter that said “new and improved”. I decided, I wanted a model that was stable, proven and that all the testing had already been done on so that every six months there wasn’t a “new and improved” on the mechanical workings.
I started with the type of cutter that has a blade that slides up and down a rail. I learned the key to SOME of those cutters is the groove that develops in the plastic piece underneath the blade. Although I was very careful I found that often there would be a bow in that path or that there was enough play in the plastic arm that I could not control the accuracy. Then I purchased my first guillotine cutter and closed the door on my hunt for the right tool for me.
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I chose the Tonic brand of guillotine cutters. I like them so much I have three of them. They are each accurate and the smallest one is my secret weapon :-) I start out each project on my 12″ x 12″ cutter and whittle down my card size. Once I have a smaller piece of paper, I move to the tiny cutter to even up edges and fine tune. These cutters manage to cut the smallest sliver of paper you can imagine. If you remember a little over a year ago when I was unexpectedly stranded in San Antonio for two months with John in the hospital. We had our RV with us and this was the cutter I had sent to me so that I could do some crafting. It works just as well as the 12″ x 12″ but for obvious reasons I didn’t need another large cutter and this was perfectly sized for travel :-) By the way, I use these cutters (not the smallest) one with a triangle ruler because I’m not coordinated enough to keep things square on the cutter bed. With the large triangle ruler, I eliminate my habit of slightly tilting my paper and get square, precise cuts every time. (Ruler from Office Depot)
Just another tidbit about my cutter journey that I think is very telling. . . I was exasperated with the cutters you could buy the local craft store and when the first new and improved came out – they said it cut straighter. I called the company and asked if I could send them the old model for the new and improved because in my eyes they corrected what I considered to be a defect. Well, that didn’t turn out so well – they said no. Contrast that to the last time I went to CHA and stopped by the Tonic booth. I was interested in seeing if they had a different cutter and I heard a rumor that they were going to further segment the grids on the cutter beds. I told them I already had a cutter and really liked it. I mentioned to the rep that I had gotten an aggressive adhesive on the blade and that I think it dulled it down. He asked me to leave my name and address. A month later a new blade arrived in the mail :-) Just a signal to me that they stand by their product.
Now, so you know, there are more expensive top of the line cutters that are equally as accurate, but this is one of those cases where I got enough bells and whistles for the additional price and wasn’t interested in investing more. And not to cast a bad shadow on cutters that have a blade on a rail – I do have a heavy duty 25″ Carl Cutter that I love but it is not my everyday cutter. It is reserved for cutting mat board, cardboard, foam core, multiple sheets at once and large paper up to 25″.
Thanks so much for stopping by, this was a treat to talk more about my tool junkie-ness; I hope the details help. Oh, I know you’ll ask where you can get these and they are not carried in my local craft stores but they are on Amazon.com and Overstock.com. I’ll be back later on with something else to show!!
Really…a guillotine cutter…I hate mine for exactly the reasons you like yours.
I have yet to actually find the “perfect” cutter for me…don’t like guillotine, don’t like rotary, not hugely thrilled with the sliding track kind either…thanks for sharing your favorite!
I’m also a fan of guillotine cutters and would be buying a Tonic if my current guillotine didn’t have a lot of life left in it! I love the plastic section which you hold down so that your card doesn’t move.
I suspect you might have just increased sales :o)
Hugs
Anne (UK) x
Thank you so much for the info and your opinion, I’ve been wanting a new cutter but had no idea which kind to get. Now I do!!!
Thanks so much for the information on your cutters Becca, I will definitely try the Tonic next time. You’re a star!
Love Sheila xx
I only ordered one this morning before I saw your post!!!!!!!!!!!! I ordered the Carl rotary trimmer and am just hoping it is ok as it was quite a lot of money!
I agree with you about those cutters. I have the two bottom ones and love them, though the larger one is a bit noisy, lol. I saw the small one used at a craft demo last year and immediately bought it though it was quite expensive at the time. It is just so much better than the small fiskars one I had that always need blades replacing and did not cut so well. I am guessing the very top one is the same as the bottom big one ? For anyone one looking for them in the UK they are branded X-CUT and can be purchased at the craft barn. You have me intrigued about the cutting in bed Becca ? Why in bed ?
hugs from France, Joanne
Hi-
I came to the Tonic cutters after I had purchased six or seven that not only resulted in a crooked cut, but THIS IS THE ONLY CUTTER THAT WILL EFFORTLESSLY REMOVE THE SLIGHTEST, TINIEST EDGE without ruining your paper or project. I have two of the three. I must now get the littlest one. They are the best and the blade, for a reason I don’t understand, does NOT cut me, only the paper!!
So glad you gave the tip about the triangle. I have such a hard time getting my cuts straight when I put the card stock up to the top. Just curious at how you use the triange though.
I have the Tonic guillotine cutters in 3 sizes 12″, 9″ and 6″ LOL All for different reasons and uses. I love them and yes, they are VERY accurate … I’ll have to use your triangle rule trick as I also seem to get my paper caddy wompus sometimes. I also have a new Tonic slide one that I use that seems to do very well right now anyway :) Thank you for sharing :)
Hi Becca,
I’ve had problems with the guillotine cutter and the paper sliding. I thought it was because of my arthritis. Would you please show a picture of how you are using the triangle with it? Right now my guillotine cutter is gathering dust.
That being said I have finally found a push cutter that has been good. Kaisercraft’s paper trimmer has been awesome. I have found I can cut up to three pieces at a time with no problem. Marvy Ulchidia used to produce this trimmer as the Paper Buddy-so you can interchange their blades and there are a few different shapes.
Becca….great read, thank you. In the UK we have a brand called XCut that look remarkably similar to your Tonic brand. I have the same guillotines as your bottom two pictures. Does the largest of the two have a ruler that pulls out to make is 12×12 I wonder. I too cut big on the big cutter then move down to the smaller one which I love and adore and cherish. Better still, both mine are PINK! YaY!
I have never found a trimmer with a roll up and down blade that works well enough to satisfy me so I avoid them like the plague. I would need some serious convincing to ever buy another for fear it would simply join the others in the bin.
Jo
Thanks for sharing your opinions on cutters. It made sense to me because I find the Tonic punches are fabulous! They cut through layers of cardstock with no effort at all….so I wasn’t suprised by your preference for this brand of cutter. I’ll need to add a new cutter to my birthday wish list :->
i finally went to a guillotine cutter also – purple cows. i, too, was tired of trying the inexpensive (throw-away) models. mine also has a rotaty cutter on the other side where decorative blades (included) could be interchanged. luckily, i got this on a craft trade site on yahoo, otherwise i would be spending the big bucks. if this one breaks or something happens to it, i would go back to the same one. it is one i know, and i know it works great.
I’ve been fighting with my Cricut cutter – blade works going down just fine, but going up it’s rough. It also has too much play as I go down the track with it. I have always thought it wasn’t accurate when you put the paper up against the top. I always look down the markings on the base to be sure I’m square, as it isn’t so just using the top as a guide. I have a guillotine, but never thought of using it in the craft room. I used it when I was teaching. Will have to see. One thing I really like about the Cricut is the little space it takes up, as the ruler swings out to accommodate large paper. Will have to think on this one. Have 4 different slide up and down ones – Creative Memories, a lighted one, and a small one. Always something new to consider! Thanks for the info!
Hi Becca,
I found Tonic after buying another crappy “New & Improved” cutter at my craft store. The Tonic guillotine cutter is BY FAR the best one and I have stopped looking for any other. Yes, the big one has a sound as it’s cutting…I consider it music to my ears. :)
The Tonic is the one I have and I love it. My first cutter was a Fiskar and it did fine for a while, but then got out of whack…but, only after I had cut miles of paper with it.
Thanks for letting us know about which cutters you use. I love my Fiskars cutter but I’m tired of buying blades all the time. I think I will invest in a guillotine cutter since you speak so highly of them and you have them in multiple sizes. As always Becca, TFS!!! :-D
Thanks so much for taking the time to write this. I have a cheap cutter and have wondered about other cutters. Hopefully I will be able to get something else soon and will definitely check this out.
I agree- I love my Tonic cutter!!!
Thanks for you paper cutter entry. A paper cutter that cuts straight is a universal problem for all paper crafters. I only sent 2 track style cutters to the Good Will. LOL Then I also bought a Tonic Guillotine cutter and love it. It cuts straight. I smiled when I read you also use a 90 degree plastic drafting template to line up the edge of the paper before you cut it . My old eyes don’t clearly see the small ruler marks on the cutter platform to line up the paper. Another thing I like about the 12″ Tonic cutter is that the ruler is at the top, in the center and at the bottom of the platform .
Our next universal problem is ADHESIVES! I would love to read you opinion of those. I have used adhesives that do not hold or liquid adhesives that buckle the paper. I have a shoe box full of various adhesives that don’t work as intended :(
Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for the info Becca. I too am struggling with paper cutters and have three none of which do a, good but not excellent job. Just wondering how you use the triangular ruler.
After trying a dozen different kinds of trimmers I accepted that I have always been a guillotine girl at heart and I purchased the large Tonic trimmer three years ago – and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it too!! It cuts so accurately, smoothly, thinly, does chipboard and has never dulled since day 1. The paper hold down thingie is awesome too.
My quest for the ultimate trimmer is over!
I’m with you on this one, Becca … I have 3 Tonic trimmers and would not trade, sell or otherwise be without them.
I totally agree with you, I have owned the large Tonic cutter for a couple of years now. I haven’t used my other ones since Tonic came into the house! For those of you looking to purchase, check Archivers, that’s where I got mine.
Thanks so much, Becca. I have been trying to find “the right cutter for me”. This is so helpful!
Becca, thanks for sharing! I have the Tonic 12×12 guillotine cutter and love it!
What an honest, thorough, report. I always thought it was me that resulted in my not quite accurate cuts. I have to try the triangular ruler idea. Thanks for the info.
Very interesting. If I didn’t already love the one I have, I might try your kind. But after 3 different ones, I finally found a good one. Thanks for the review. Will pass it on. Edna
Thank you for this because it confirms my own decision to switch to a guillotine type cutter, once I coax the money from my husband’s pocket :) I am so tired of squaring up paper or eliminating a little bow by hand after I have cut it with the cutter. You are a fountain of great information and the best resource for us Becca wannabes.
Hugs!
Cec
I too have a guillotine cutter made by Boston. It is heavy, made out of wood with a steel cutting arm and I have been using it for about 18 years and it is just fine. You wouldn’t want to lug it around anywhere but it is accurate and the only cutter I use. Thanks for sharing all your info!
Becca!!!!!!
Thank you for sharing this about your cutter!!!!!!!!!! I haven’t done this long enough, by what you’ve said!!!!!!!!! WOW!!!! This REALLY WILL help when the time comes…!!! I DID wonder about the guillotine cutters!!!!! Oh YES, keep sharing your EXPERTISE on tools!!!!!!!!!!! I think in these times when everyones budgets are tight, TOOLS are the PERFECT things to INVEST in!!!!!!!!!! To me, they’re the things that STRETCH your craft budget, because they’re things, personally, I DON’T buy! ( Kinda like my Score-Buddy!) I just make do!!!!!!! It’s when times get tight, THEN I invest in these tools! ( That may sound TOTALLY backwards to some people!!!!!!!!) LOL
Thank you for confirming my decision to switch to a guillotine type cutter – after I coax the money out of my husband’s pocket :). I am so tired of squaring my paper up or eliminating a little bow by hand after it has gone through either my large rotary cutter or my small slide cutter. You are a fountain of great information and a fabulous resource for us Becca wannabes.
Hugs!
Cec
My favorite cutte is the Genesis rotary. When I bought mine, years ago, it was hand made by a man in Maine the company that has the rites to it is Bonnie’s Best. I have a 14″ a 12″ and a 6″ and by far the best tool of any of my tools, the 6″ is my right hand for sure.
Thank you so much for all the information about the cutters. I will definately be checking into getting one.
Thanks, Becca. It’s so nice to have someone who loves to share info and help.
I hope you will consider doing a video to show us how you use the triangular ruler with the cutter. Thank you so much for all the help you give us.
You have no idea how happy to learn that I am not the only cutter-challenged person. I don’t even want to guess how many cutters I have, and I still end up straightening things with a pair of scissors. Will definitely check out the cutters all talked about, and thanks bunches!!!!
I also have a Tonic guillotine cutter and love it!! I’ve had issues with every other brand I’ve used. Thanks for letting me know where to find them as I ordered a small Tonic from JoAnn’s online and was sent another brand.
Thanks for sharing. I use both a guillotine cutter and the ones with the cutter in the groove and like both. I too am interested on a tutorial using the triangular ruler with a cutter.
Snap couldn’t agree more with what you say about trimmers and companies bringing out a so-called improved model not long after I’ve bought something that’s supposed to be great for doing whatever…
I love these guillotines too. I have two (not the biggest one) and they are used every time I craft. Here in England they are usually called X-cut (but you can get Tonic) and are identical in design but with slightly different colours.
Best thing I did was change to this type of cutter.
I also own both the largest and the smallest of the Tonic cutters you showed. And I love them! They are the best. Now, maybe I should consider the one you talked about … the inbetween size. Not to replace the others, but add to, like you have. Thanks!
I love the Tonic Cutters. I have the large one and LOVE it. I agree that it is so accurate and can make tiny cuts. I’ve had mine for maybe four years and haven’t replaced the blade yet.
Thanks for sharing your tools!!
I am in total agreement with you on the guillotine cutters. I don’t have three but do have two that I love to use! Thank you so much for sharing your talents and knowledge with us!
They are called X-Cut over here in the U.K. and I have spent many hours using their cutter and been really pleased with it. I find it easy to use, very lightweight and the small one is a great size to sit on the desktop beside me. I have used mine for years and never had to change the blade….I can definately recommend it just like you are doing Becca.
LOL Eileen
Hi Becca,
I agree with you 100% on the cutters. I had many problems with the slide cutters. I did some research and found the Tonic cutter and my husband bought it for me two years ago. I use it all the time. I didn’t know they made smaller cutters. I’m going to have to check into this.
I too have the large Tonic cutter and love it, the other one’s are a pain in the neck for you never get the paper straight., maybe I should invest in a small one for when I get together with my card making group it would be easier to carry.
I love all your gagets you have.
Thank you for all of your great information. I don’t have a Tonic, but will add it to my shopping list. I too have a cabinet full of cutters I’ve bought over the years, and yes, most of them don’t square up very well. I usually ended up using my cutting mat and a rotary cutter to finish the job. I now have a Carl ALWAYS on my desk top. (Got it at Staples.) It’s the smaller one, 9 x 12, but I love that you can change the blades and the cutting stip so it’s always fresh. It does a good job. Thank you for sharing your tips and techniques. It is so appreciated!!!!
I was too afraid to try a guillotine cutter ! It’s time for me to step it up. Thank you so much for the lesson. I’d love to know how you use the ruler. How about a very short video or tutorial pictures in Becca’s Bits ?
oxoxoxox
I have had the same issues with my current (multiple) cutters! I can’t wait to order and try the Tonic. Thanks for sharing your experience with this, Becca! ;D
Thank you Becca for all this cutter info. I use one of the slide models and often wonder why my cuts aren’t as straight as I would like. Now I know the answer. It looks like a Tonic is on my wish list.Reading all – or most of the comments, I’m betting a tutorial video might be in order to show us all your technique using the triangle for keeping the paper straight.Thanks so much for sharing with us..
I am so glad you posted about this. I go through SO many blades for my Fiskars sliding cutter. The blades for the Fiskar cutter seem to last a shorter amount of time each time I buy them! I almost bought a Carl years ago when I was a demonstrator for SU and doing stamp camps and classes. I am going to ask hubby about the Tonic and hope he says ok! I agree with Barbara up there….the next question is adhesives! You probably should make this a weekly post. LOL Love ya!
I have one of the slide cutters and I find that it “bunches” up the paper instead of cutting it, ruining the paper. I am definitely going to look into the Tonic cutters. TFS!!
I also think a video tute would be good to explain the triangle and help us see the cutter in action. As if you aren’t busy enough! LOL
Becca girl, you are a Godsend! I have been wrestling over which type of cutter to upgrade to, not only for speed and accuracy, but to minimize the constant blade changes in order to prevent “shredding” on the cut edges. I thought about “Carl”, but this guillotine type is right up my alley! Thanks so much, Becca! You are amazing, girl!! Hugs and Blessings, Angie
Becca, thanks for all the information on cutters. I’ll tuck this way until I need it!
Thanks Becca for the tips on cutters! I don’t own a ‘Tonic’ but will be on a search for one. I too would love to see a video on how you use the triangle to get an even cut. Have a great day!
How do you use a triangle to line up paper edge?
I am gadget disabled and a bit dyslexic. I could really use a very clear verbal instruction on this but it needs to be highly specific.
Thanks.
Oops hit enter too soon. Meant to say I want to see the triangle info too!!
Oops hit enter too sooon. Meant to say I want to see the triangle info too!!
Thank you for another highly informative post. Now I understand what is wrong with my slider. I kept changing the blade bc it would gather and bunch up the paper which ruined countless projects. I had resorted to lining up my paper on my Martha Stewart score board and using a craft cutter to cut (scoring first and then softly following with the craft cutter). Now I’ll try the guillotine (sounds scary). Another comment prior to mine suggested info on ADHESIVES. That would be wonderful as this is another obstacle to my crafting which has lead me to a box full of unused adhesives. I purchased the scotch pink gun and I don’t think I’m using it correctly bc more gets on my hands then the project. As always…LOvE your blog!
Thanks for the input on cutters.
I have a wonderful cutter from South Coast Designs from California that I love. Its called Safety Super Roller Cutter with a self-sharpening blade. It cuts so precise and you can cut the tiniest of paper to make grasses with it. Three of my stamping friends from our Stamp Club have them also. I would highly recommend it even tho it is quite expensive (my husband bought me mine).
I will look into the Tonic for a small cutter that will travel well.
That’s for the tips on cutters. I have a big old wooden commercial one that I really love, but I’ve been looking at a smaller one…this is a huge help. My craft store does have the tonic, in both sizes, so that’s good for me and them… :)
I have several tonic punches as well and have researched YouTube and have learned how to use them quite nicely for borders. I bought them before I purchased a very huge amount of border punches from Fiskars and Martha Stewart…lol. I am a tool junkie too!
I guessed before I opened your post that you’d be saying the Tonic cutter! Like you, I’ve purchased sooo many cutters over the past 15 years – arghhh! Looks like I now know what my next one will be!!! Biggest complaint for me (other than not getting a nice clean cut) is that I cannot measure a narrow cut and be able to get it perfect — must try the triangle ruler. TFS, Becca!!!
Becca,
You are an answer to my prayers! I’ve been wondering where I could find honest information about paper cutters and there it was this morning. I’ve had no luck with them and gave up using them at all. I’ve just had surgery on my right arm and really need to stop using a craft knife and quilting ruler to cut my papers. Thanks so much.
I appreciate you sharing this info with all of us in Internet Land! We travel a lot and I cannot seem to find a cutter that “works” like it should and yet be small enough to travel. I do NOT like the blade that slides in the rail. They have never worked for me. ALWAYS cuts with a ragged edge even with a new blade, never straight lines and no 2 pieces line up with one another like you’d need for layering. I have a commercial guillotine cutter at home which I LOVE and that’s all I use but it is so bulky to take with me when we’re on the road. I will definitely be ordering one of the Tonic’s. Thanks soooo much for sharing your expertise!!
I have a guillotine cutter and a small one as well and wouldn’t trade them for the world :) Defnitely worth the investment.
Becca, thanks for this wonderful informative post. I know which cutter I will be purchasing next, as I have gone the same route with the slide cutters, and some guillotine cutters. I had been thinking of purchasing a Genesis as I know several people who have them, love them. I had seen the tonic cutter used on a couple websites and wondered how good they were. So many thanks for taking all the time to share all this information.
Becca,
Thanks for the information. I have not been satisfied and have tried rotary and guillotine cutters. I am now looking for a Tonic. Thank you for sharing.
I love how very different we all are and how passionate!! I have both a very simple/old rail cutter, a Fiskars, and a Tonic guillotine cutter (the large one like you have), not to mention a myriad of other brands both guillotine and rail (some with interchangable blades). I have to say, for me, my very first cutter, the Fiskars with the simple, replaceable blade is my go-to cutter. It is so worn that the lines on the platform part are worn off. I bought the large Tonic guillotine to cut larger amounts of paper at once but found that it doesn’t do that very well at all. That’s when my paper slides and the cuts of all pieces are not straight. Also, with my eyes, I simply cannot read the measurements along the top. I have marked in red those I use more frequently, but honestly, I would be lost without my number 1 favorite, my blue Fiskars. The biggest drawback on that is where the 5 in measurement falls. It is right where the arm swings out, a definite shortcoming, but as long as I can see the 5-1/2 and 4-1/4 I am quite happy!! Happy cutting everyone!!!
I was so happy to hear that you love the guillotine cutter, I went to one of those a few months ago and love it, it isn’t Tonic but I find it the best form of cutting there is. I always say I have a crooked eye, can’t cut a streight line, but this guillotine is just the ticket for helping me out….Woo Woo, I’m happy I finally did something right. Barb F
becca..i’ve got huge collection of trimmers and cutters..all brands..names..styles etc…
i have managed to chose a favorite..,,but a tonic guillotine has been on my to-do list for a while..(note that i dont call it a wish list…to me…the term “wish lis”t denotes HOPING to get it……but a “to-do” list denotes that i MUST get it…soon…lol) …so this is going to be my next purchase..
I agree with Willow’s posting above, we are all so different and so passionate about the crafting tools we use. I too am a Tonic user. Not one complaint do I have. I love the straight cuts and the ability to cut a tiny sliver of paper. I still keep some other cutters around and use them from time to time. The Tonic is too big to take to a crop since I have the 12 x 12 one but at home in my own little art studio it’s Tonic all the way.
Thanks so much for your post on the cutters you use. This is very helpful as are all of your posts! I am also curious how you deal with your paper scraps – do you file by color? do you keep all the little scraps too? Just curious. I am trying to figure out a better way of handling all my leftovers.
Thanks for all the wonderful information and inspiration!
Thanks for sharing your experience with cutters, Becca! I really appreciate all you share with us!!
I just want to repeat what others have said — thanks so much for this information and insight. And if at all possible, a video to show us how you use the triangle ruler would be GREAT!!
I have always wanted to try this type of cutter. I have a Fiskars model but the one thing that annoys me about it is the 6 inch to 7 (maybe 7.5 inch) markings. Because of the way the trimmer is designed (with the pull-out extended arm), I can never, never ever tell where exactly the paper is cutting unless I get out my plastic ruler to use as a guide. Totally defeats at least half the purpose of having a paper trimmer when I have to reach for another ruler in order to use the trimmer. Plus, the cost of the blades is ridiculous and they just went up in price (from 4.99 to 5.99 or 6.99—depending where you can find the blades).
Thanks for this review—it’s just what I needed to make my mind up on what type of trimmer is going to work for me. Also, can you please post a photo on how you use the triangle to make sure you paper isn’t going to cut wonky? Thank you!!! =)
Becca, thank you for the info on cutters. i have a couple, a slide kind that never seems to be accurate and one guillotine one, a Fiskars brand one that the screw keeps coming out of the handle where you push down to cut! NOt a good thing! I’ll have to look into the Tonic brand and maybe my woes of cutting paper will be over for good! ~Gin~
Thanks for sharing this info Becca. I get so agrivated with the cutters I have. After a couple of uses they get all wonky. I always have to trim off a bit because it’s hanging over the edge just a bit. I do have a very small gillotine cutter from Creative Memories. I love the way it cuts. But it’s so tiny, So I’ve been thinking about getting a bigger one. It’s going to wait though. So I’ll sure look at the Tonic cutter when the time comes. TFS
Hugs, Jessica
I had the same problems as you did. I bought two different track types and from the same brand, and I bought the style with the rotary cutter. I even called the company about the problem—they just gave helpful hints. After reading about the tonic product, I purchased the tonic cutter, the 6 inch one. Something happened, I emailed them. The next thing I know they mailed me the 12 inch one with apologies!!! The folks at tonic stand by their product and for me, they were super helpful.
Oh, my cutter is wonder.
Wonderful post! Thanks for the info. Another thing added to my wish list. Triangular Ruler?? Truth be told I haven’t got a clue what you are talking about.
Have a Blessed Day
Bernie
I’m another Tonic lover, but would also love to see how you use your triangular ruler! No matter how hard I try not to, I always shift my paper in the process of cutting! UGHHH! My vision has been hit by the aging process, but what I have found that helps tremendously, is marking guides with a sharpie on my cutter of my most-used card dimensions. This has saved me a lot of frustration, especially after spending too much time blog reading! HA :)
I also have 2 of the 3 Tonic’s you show…did not know they had that smaller one – will have to look for it to carry with me!
Would love to see a picture of how you place the triangle to get the straight lines.
(I have this problem too – unfortunately even tho the grid lines are 1/4″, I could really use smaller measurement lines – LOL – because everything I want to cut seems to fall where there is no line!!!!!! Frustration or ‘oh well’…and I’m not the ‘oh well type’!
Jan Castle
I know I have had trouble with cutters. I have tried a couple of brands without being totally happy. I’ll start looking for the Tonic and seeing if they are publicly traded. After your post, I think their value will be climbing! :)
Becca, To me you are the Guru of card making!! Or maybe better said to me there is noone who does it better then you!!! So if you want to get long winded about anything I am sure that there’s sooo many of us that don’t care!! We value your opinion and input. It’s difficult especially for newbies like myself to know what to purchase cuz I can tell you I often times have been misled by packaging and advertisements. So before I get long winded–LoL I thank you for your inspiration and generosity and most of all your genuiness. God Bless you and yours.
Joanie
Becca…I have been wanting to get a new paper trimmer for quite awhile, and I want a guillotine cutter. Thanks for your comments. I think I will definitely look into the Tonic. Now if I can only create cards anywhere near as beautiful as yours!
Thanks so much for your opinion- love that you share your experience. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate.
Great info on the cutter, I have 5 differents cutters so your input is very appreciated. I love the card. Thank you
I have had the same problem as you. Over the years, I have probably had every cutter made, that sells through the craft stores. Always something about them I didn’t like. So a few months ago I tried the large 12 in Tonic cutter and I love it. I now have the small also.
Hi Becca!
There is so much discussion out there about cutters, and I was very interested in your opinion! I recently purchased the Tonic because it seems to be very popular with crafters. I have had numerous cutters from slide to rotary to another guillotine type. I would love to see how you use the triangle ruler to help keep your paper straight!
Interesting, I have a large Fiskars, a small Fiskars, a Cricut cutter, and my fav, a Fiskars guillotine cutter. The only 2 that I like are the small Fiskars and the guillotine, but a small guillotine would be cool to have…just in time for my b-day in a week…it’s going on my list.
I tilt my paper, too, when I am in a hurry or not paying attention. I have learned to hold the paper with my fingers spread out so I can securely hold it from top to bottom. Mostly it works for me.
I have always been a tad worried about chopping my fingers off with a guillotine cutter. I do like a nice clean cut though. Now you are making me think twice about these. Thanks for the info.
Thanks sooooooo much Becca for presenting this topic. I too have a ton of the running blade cutters and have been disappointed with every one of them. I’ve never been able to get a perfectly straight cut and finally figured it was me since I was the common denominator. You just saved me years of counseling knowing that I’m not the problem! I am definitely going to look into your recommend. Thanks again.
Thanks for all the info, Becca. I seem to be cutting challenged and I am glad to have your recommendations. Off to amazon.com now.
Forgot! I too would like to see a video on how you do the triangles. Do you have any tricks on how to do a triangle where each side is of equal length? Thanks.
thanks for the great info on paper cutters:)
went to Amazon and just ordered your paper trimmer. I’ve had the Fiskars but neeed to constantly be changing the blade. If ever the blade needs to be changed on this one do you know if the company offers them?
I have had my Tonic guillotine cutter for about 3 years now, and I wish I had gotten it sooner. It is the best tool in the craft room.
My favorite paper cutter is an X-acto 12 x 12 with a laser light to show exactly where your cut will be on the paper.
I too have a Tonic Guillotine cutter (12×12) and absolutely swear by it. It is a little cumbersome to bring with me to scrap parties but well worth it. Many of my scrappin’ friends have borrowed it because of the wonderful accuracy.
Becca could you please tell us the size of your smallest paper trimmer? Tonic makes a 6″ and 81/2 “. I have the 12″ x 12” and just love it. Thanks for the idea about the ruler. Wish I knew about that idea when I did granddaughter’s wedding invitations.
How very interesting Becca I am at my wits end with buying and being disappointed with cutters so I will definitely be investigating the Tonic cutters thank you.
Thanks, Becca – I really appreciate you sharing your favorite cutter with us and helping me lean towards one that I just needed to hear a bit more about – and you did that!
When I first got started in stamping, I bought one of those cutters with the rail and slider – and I really struggled with paper not being straight – iI just knew it had to be me!!! One of my friends had a guillotine cutter and made me try hers and I was amazed at the accuracy. So – that’s what I use now. I’m interested in getting a smaller size, so now I know what to look for.
Thanks for sharing, Becca This was very helpful.
hugs
I was so glad to read your post Becca. All this time I assumed it was me that couldn’t cut a straight line — even with a paper cutter. I can’t stand the “bowing” you mentioned and kept thinking I wasn’t lining things up correctly. Now I realize that it it likely the paper cutter that isn’t lined up properly. (sigh) I wish I had the $$ to buy a new and improved cutter.
I recently bought the mid-size 6″ Tonic cutter from Overstock.com, it was about $27.00 and your entire order ships for $2.95, so I got a few more things. I like it so far and I would like to know how you use the triangle. Thanks.
I thought I was the only one that used the term aggressive adhesive. Please please please run a Becca Bite on ” I use these cutters (not the smallest) one with a triangle ruler because I’m not coordinated enough to keep things square on the cutter bed. ” …how to use a triangle ruler to get precise cuts.
Hi Becca,
after reading your very informative piece on the Tonic guillotine yesterday, today I now have one. Thank you so much for doing this as I have been browsing the net in search of a cutter to replace my old Avery guillotine, bought 10 years ago, but until you either use one or read reviews it’s often difficult to decide what to buy. I think I understand how you have used the triangle, but please could you somehow explain it in detail, when you have a spare minute of course!!!!! I cut most of my cardstock using a Omnigrip guide, but it is time consuming. I adore your artwork, so professional. Oh, I bought the 12″ size. Once again, thank you for sharing, extremely helpful. XXX
Thanks for sharing your honest opinion on cutters. I appreciate it very much. I am going to wait and see if you do a Becca Bit on it. How do you keep your fingers safe, how is it stored safely, how does a triangular ruler help you cut straight. So many questions, I look forward to another fabulous tutorial from you!
I remember the guillotine cutters from my school days. I could never get them to cut straight, maybe because I was trying to cut more than one sheet at a time and the paper shifted. The plastic “hold down” gadget sure looks like a great improvement. I’m at the point where I need to replace my sliding blade cutter as it no longer cuts a straight line. I’ll have a look at the guillotine style cutter now.